“As I read this I am thinking of how the grunts on the ground dubbed the “new” M-16 a “Matty Matel” back in the day.”
It is supposedly a myth, but I have had seen (apparently) very knowledgeable weapons people swear that Mattel was one of several companies that produced some of the plastic parts, and that they have seen the “Mattel” stamp on the butt or handgrip.
I have never seen the stamp, myself.
I’m a Garand kind of guy...My idea of high tech is the M-14. But I was just down in my safe and hefting one of my 10lb M-1’s and can understand going to to the M-16 for weight purposes...though I prefer a larger round and though not as accurate I would rather carry an AK than an AR for close quarter fighting
I find the 5.56/.223 and excellent woodchuck round.
Just my opinion.